If you’ve ever talked to someone who works in architecture or engineering, you’ll know this: people love asking questions about what we do. And honestly? We get it. Buildings are big, complicated, and kind of fascinating, so the curiosity makes total sense.
So today, we’re answering some of the questions we get constantly, on job sites, at family dinners, during community meetings, even from friends who suddenly need advice after watching a home reno show.
Let’s get into it.
“How long does it take to design a building?”
This one always gets asked first.
The answer? It depends… which is not the most popular answer, but it’s true.
A small renovation might take a few weeks. A full school or seniors’ residence? Months. There are drawings, code reviews, engineering coordination, permits, revisions, and lots of decision-making along the way. There are many factors impacting timelines such as size, scale and intended uses within the building, which all need to be considered and tailored to each project. But trust us: taking time upfront saves headaches later.
“Do you still draw everything by hand?”
We do sketch by hand, usually when we’re brainstorming. A quick sketch is still one of the best ways to think through an idea.
But after that, everything moves into digital tools like Revit, AutoCAD, and Rendering programs. Which makes sure the whole design actually works.
So yes, there’s sketching… but there’s also a lot of clicking.
“Why do projects sometimes take longer or cost more?”
Short answer: buildings love surprises.
In renovations, it’s not uncommon to discover something unexpected behind a wall. Most projects encounter typical delays, from weather and material lead times to mid-project design tweaks or longer-than-expected city permit reviews.
Our job is to help navigate all of that and keep the project moving. Think of us as the ones quietly troubleshooting in the background so everything stays on track.
“Where do you get your ideas?”
Pretty much everywhere.
Nature, experiences through travel, inspiration from our contemporaries, old sketches, something a client says, even just walking through a space and seeing how people use it. Every project starts with listening, and then we mix creativity with practicality to make something that looks good and works well.
There’s no magical “ah ha moment”—just lots of passion, curiosity, and refinement.
“Do architects and engineers ever disagree?”
Oh, absolutely.
In the nicest way possible.
Architects focus on how a space feels and functions. Engineers focus on making sure it actually stands up, stays warm (or cool), and runs efficiently. Priorities don’t always align, but when they’re addressed together under one roof, better solutions emerge. That collaborative approach is what separates us from the bunch.
Think of it like a high-stakes group project, except everyone is invested, accountable, and working toward the same goal.
“What’s the hardest part about designing a building?”
Every project has its own challenge.
Maybe the site is tricky. Maybe the sustainability goals are strict. Maybe the timeline is tight. Maybe we’re trying to balance modern upgrades with heritage features.
But the biggest challenge is also the biggest reward: taking someone’s idea and turning it into something real that people use every day.
“What makes a building sustainable?”
Sustainability isn’t just solar panels and fancy tech.
It’s better insulation, high-efficiency systems, smart lighting, low-flow plumbing, durable materials, and designing spaces that use natural light and ventilation well. The best sustainable design choices are often simple, relying on sensible choices, ideas, and materials that are compatible with the local environment.
“Do you have a favourite project?”
Everyone always wants us to pick one.
We really can’t.
Every project has something memorable, an innovative detail, a great client, a unique challenge, or an impact on the community. That’s what makes this work rewarding.
Have a question of your own? Ask away.
We genuinely love talking about what we do. If you’ve ever wondered how a design comes together or you’re curious about an idea, reach out anytime. We’re always happy to chat buildings, design, or anything in between.